What is the ABC Diet?

The ABC diet is an extreme weight loss diet program that many have taken interest in. As losing weight has always been a popular topic especially among women, this diet program naturally attracted curiosity.

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ABC diet overview

Furthermore, known as the Ana Boot Camp Diet, this program involves a pro-anorexia regimen for losing weight. This is different from the anorexic diet though. The idea is to restrict the individual’s calorie intake for a set number of days. It has created a lot of buzz as proponents argue that anorexia can be a viable weight loss option. ABC diet works on the strategy that one’s metabolism can be tricked through consuming varying calorie levels every day. The 50-day diet plan aims to slow down the body’s metabolism to its most extreme state.

How the ABC Diet works

The ABC diet is best followed by plotting required calorie intake on a chart. On the first week, the individual is required to take a maximum of 500 calories each on the first two days. The maximum calorie requirement would then decrease to 300, 400, 100, 200 & 300 respectively on succeeding days. On the second week, calorie intake for the week shouldn’t exceed 400 & 500 on the first two days. On the third day of the second week, the individual should be fasting. The fourth and fifth day have 200 and 100 calorie restrictions accordingly. Fasting would resume on the 6th day followed by a 300 calorie requirement on the 7th day. The calorie ceiling and fasting days would differ in the remaining weeks. On the 2nd day of Week 8, the individual should slowly return to his or her normal diet.

Issues and Risks of ABC Diet

The pro-anorexia measure of the ABC diet has garnered many critics. The major argument against ABC diet is that a person’s calorie requirement should not be less than 1,200 per day. Some experts advise that such extreme control of calorie intake has tremendous risks, especially for the wrong person.

Another argument on the ABC diet plan is that the individual would just be losing water instead of fats during the whole course. Some argue that it also encourages the body to save limited calories and stock up on more body fat thus stimulating sudden weight gain.

Other side effects raised were dizziness, low blood sugar levels, fatigue and sensitivity to cold temperatures. Some studies also show that depression and paranoia can also exist during and after the program.

Support for ABC Diet

While this weight loss program has considerable side effects, it still has solid following. Those who claimed to have succeeded losing weight through the diet believe that the program has its own merits. However, it is still important to note that one’s bodily functions and needs might be different from another person. At the end of the day, it is best to consult with a doctor prior to following any pro-anorexia diet plan like the ABC diet. Anorexia is a serious eating disorder. There might be a more sustainable weight loss program that experts can recommend.